Sammy and Parker's 'Fitness in the Park' a celebration of abilities

13-year-old Parker has Down syndrome, and he's found friendship in his personal trainer, Sammy Callari.
Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News

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Personal trainer Sammy Callari works out with Parker Seward, 13, at his community gym in North Naples on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017. The pair has been working out together for a year and a half and have developed a brother-like relationship. Callari works to spread awareness about the abilities, not disabilities, of those with Down syndrome. (Photo: Dorothy Edwards/Naples Daily News)Buy Photo

Parker Seward, a 14-year-old with Down syndrome, and Sammy Callari, his personal trainer, are on a mission to spread a special message — "We focus on the abilities, not the disabilities," Callari said.

Together, the "brothers" will give back to the Naples community Saturday morning with a free outdoor exercise class.

Callari, 28, a former MMA fighter, started training Parker one-on-one nearly two years ago to improve Parker's physical health and to help him focus and release pent-up energy. Then they became best friends.

And since they appeared in the Naples Daily News last August, and after several national publications featured their inspiring story, Parker and Sammy have become local celebrities.

Callari said it's not unusual for someone at the grocery store or a barista at Starbucks to recognize him. The "Sammy and Parker" Facebook page has more than 2,400 Facebook fans, and Callari has just as many on his Instagram account, where he shares videos of him and Parker singing in the car or playing hide-and-seek.

"Naples especially has been so unbelievable and supportive of us," Callari said. "A couple months ago this idea just kind of popped in my head. ... Parker's got the message and I have the vision. Why don't we get the community together and teach and inspire?"

So, for one hour on Saturday, Parker will coach alongside his trainer and "big brother" during Fitness in the Park, which starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, in North Naples.

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Personal trainer Sammy Callari works out with Parker Seward, 13, at his community gym in North Naples on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017. The pair has been working out together for a year and a half and have developed a brother-like relationship. Callari works to spread awareness about the abilities, not disabilities, of those with Down syndrome. (Photo: Dorothy Edwards/Naples Daily News)

To put on the free event, they've partnered with Collier County Parks and Recreation and STARability, a local nonprofit organization that aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

"Our missions were very similar," said Madison McNally, program director for the Trailblazer Academy, a program of STARability that provides vocational training opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities over the age 18.

"The connection was great," she said, "and the energy they have and showing that all programs should be inclusive."

On Saturday, McNally and other representatives from STARability will have a booth to take donations and hand out information about the program, which has existed in Naples for about 35 years.

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Personal trainer Sammy Callari works out with Parker Seward, 13, at his community gym in North Naples on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017. The pair has been working out together for a year and a half and have developed a brother-like relationship. Callari works to spread awareness about the abilities, not disabilities, of those with Down syndrome. (Photo: Dorothy Edwards/Naples Daily News)

Participants of every fitness level are invited to Fitness in the Park, Callari said. The class will feature all functional body weight movements — no equipment needed — with the blending of Callari's martial arts background.

"Parker is going to be right next to me, encouraging everyone," Callari said. "I want (people) to come and feel inspired, but I also want them to get a workout in."

A live DJ will provide music — with a few titles that have appeared in Callari and Parker's viral car ride videos. The class will take place at the park's outdoor amphitheater outside the fitness center.

More group workout classes may be in the works, Callari said, but they want to see how the first one goes.

"We’ve been given a platform," he said. "What can we do next to give back and continue our mission and inspiring and bringing more awareness.